On May 23, 2018, we published revised versions of our Privacy Policy and User Agreements. Please read these updated terms and take some time to understand them. Your use of our services is subject to these revised terms.
Yes, I Agree.

420 with CNW – States Ask USDA and Congress to Extend Hemp Pilot Program

Although the 2014 hemp pilot program is set to expire on October 31, various state agriculture and hemp industry advocates have expressed concern that some states aren’t quite ready to run their own hemp programs. On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”), received letters from the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (“NASDA”) and National Industrial Hemp Council (“NIHC”) asking it to extend the pilot hemp program.

The groups say that while the USDA’s efforts at developing interim guidelines for the crop under the 2018 Farm Bill have been monumental, several states have been unable to create their own hemp programs due to the coronavirus. They asked Congressional leaders to consider passing supplementary appropriations legislation to extend the pilot hemp program through 2021 to give states more time to craft rules for their individual hemp programs.

“Many states were able to transition from their hemp pilot programs to a USDA state-approved plan. Notwithstanding this progress, many states will be unable to meet the forthcoming deadline. These states have indicated that due to the unprecedented national COVID-19 pandemic, state regulators have been unable to work with their state legislatures to acquire necessary statutory amendments,” the letter states. It adds that while the groups support the House inclusion of an extension in their agriculture spending bill, they are concerned that “the annual appropriations bills may not be completed before the extension is vitally needed.”

NASDA and NIHC also wrote separately to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Purdue asking that the USDA issue enforcement discretion guidance when it comes to the pilot program deadline. “Without a policy of enforcement discretion, hemp farmers will be left in a perilous situation through no fault of their own. We understand this is not a small request. We appreciate the tremendous amount of work that has gone into making American hemp the viable and valuable agricultural commodity it is today. This is the direct result of government serving the timely needs of the industry.”

Larry Farnsworth, a spokesman for NIHC says that “as an emerging industry, hemp growers face a multitude of challenges, among them, is a worldwide pandemic that has complicated everything for everyone. Too many states just have not been able to work through their internal legislative and regulatory processes. We need more time to develop and implement the regulatory framework called for in 2018 Farm Bill.”

It is believed that entities like Sugarmade, Inc. (OTCQB: SGMD) will be following how the USDA responds to this request.

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern – our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

Archives

Select A Month

Official NewsWire Relationships

Alternative Products Expo Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference Cannabis Business Summit & Expo 2019 Cannabis Drinks Expo Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition Cannexpo Marigold PR MjMicro Conference New England Cannabis Network O'Cannabiz Conference & Expo Tether BudTender Tether BudTender Appreciation Week

CannabisNewsWire Currently Accepts

Bitcoin

Bitcoin

Bitcoin Cash

Bitcoin Cash

Doge Coin

Dogecoin

Ethereum

Ethereum

Litecoin

Litecoin

USD Coin

USD Coin

Contact us: 303.498.7722